J.R. Smith upset about sitting out most of OT in Knicks’ win over Suns

New York Daily News | Jan 15

J.R. Smith’s benching in Charlotte Tuesday night may have been a direct result of Smith sitting most of the overtime in Monday’s win over Phoenix.

According to a source, Smith was vocal with coach Mike Woodson about not starting the extra session against Phoenix after missing what would have been a game-winning shot at the end of regulation.

Smith did not start overtime and went in as sub with 47.2 seconds left and came back out with 2.2 seconds left.

The following night, Smith did not play in the loss to the Bobcats and spent most of the night sulking on the end of the bench.

Woodson declined comment late Tuesday as to why Smith was benched. It was the second time in four games where Woodson benched Smith, who was fined $50,000 last week by the NBA for unsportsmanlike behavior.

Acording to the same source, Smith and Woodson spoke briefly immediately after Tuesday’s game and both appeared upset.